CFD shares Halloween safety tips, invites community to Halloween open house

Halloween is around the corner. With that comes the rush to find the best costume, the perfect pumpkin and those amazing decorations for your home.

Possibly hidden within all of this fun and excitement are potential fire hazards. The Columbia Fire Department wants to remind residents of some Halloween safety tips to avoid a possible tragedy on what should be an otherwise super-fun night.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that between 2011-2015, decorations (not including Christmas trees) were the item first ignited in an estimated 840 reported residential structure fires per year. These fires resulted in an average of two civilian deaths, 36 civilian injuries and $11.4 million in direct property damage each year.

Decorations which were too close to a heat source (such as a candle or some other type of equipment) accounted for 42% of the fires.

A fire can also start when candles are too close to decorations or when long, trailing costumes come into contact with candle flames.

To ensure the safety of your trick-or-treaters and to keep your home safe from fire, consider following these safety tips:

• Candles - Consider using battery-powered candles or glow-sticks in Halloween jack-o-lanterns.
• Costumes - Stay away from long, trailing fabric and skip elaborate pieces.
• Trick-or-Treating - Remember it is getting darker earlier in the day.
  • Consider lighter-colored costumes or clothing as well as glow sticks or other safe lighting items to keep everyone visible.
  • When your trick-or-treaters go out to collect their bounties, consider going with them. That way, you can help them safely navigate crossing streets and intersections.
• Decorations - Avoid decorations that would easily burn such as dried flowers, corn stalks, crepe paper and hay (straw) bales. Keep decorations away from open flames and heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.
• Exits - Remember to keep all decorations away from doors or other exits from rooms or spaces. Don't block your escape route.
• Smoke Alarms - Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home and outside of places where people sleep.
  • Check your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
  • Change your smoke alarm batteries at least twice per year when adjusting clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
  • Replace any smoke alarm over 10 years old.

We encourage families to take part in safe alternatives for young trick-or-treaters such as the Columbia Fire Department's annual Halloween Open House at Fire Station 9, 201 Blue Ridge Road, from 6-9 p.m Friday, Oct. 31. The event features fun activities and games for our young and mature visitors alike, music and loads of candy.